U.S. Carriers Form Joint Venture to Expand Satellite Coverage

Overview

• AT&T, T‑Mobile and Verizon announced a jointly governed venture to roll out satellite‑enabled connectivity that fills coverage gaps where terrestrial signals are weak or absent.
• Paul Roth will serve as the venture’s interim CEO while a search for a permanent leader is under way and the company will be run by a board with representatives from each founding carrier.
• The JV plans common technical specifications and industrywide device compatibility so phones and apps can work across satellite links and terrestrial networks with a consistent user experience.
• Partners say the service will provide redundant links for emergencies, expand options for satellite providers and rural mobile operators, and use scarce licensed spectrum more efficiently.
• The move builds on a May commitment to pool limited spectrum resources and is framed as additive to existing carrier satellite deals, which the companies say will remain in place.